The Ford Foundation, one of the world's largest grantmakers, will throw more weight behind democracy

The New York-based philanthropy committed Thursday to driving more funds toward the basic building blocks of democracy. The new strategic direction comes less than one year into Gerken's tenure at the helm of the social justice funder's $18 billion endowment.

In a report to trustees, Gerken — widely recognized as a leading expert on constitutional law and elections — framed the changes in the context of an "emboldened strain of 21st-century authoritarianism." Seven new programs will be detailed throughout next year, focusing on democratic governance, inclusive economies, trustworthy information, public safety, gender equality, global cooperation and racial justice.

Strategic Shift

It's the foundation's largest strategic refresh since Walker prioritized inequality in a 2015 overhaul. Already the nation's leading democracy grantor by some counts, the Ford Foundation sees this new approach as a necessary extension of that focus.

The latest changes arrive in the heat of a midterm election cycle that has underscored strains on American democracy. Republicans drove unusual levels of partisan redistricting this year and the Supreme Court hollowed out the landmark Voting Rights Act. Fewer U.S. adults said democracy is central to the country's identity in an April survey.

Philanthropic Response

Foundations have responded to recent tests of American democracy by increasing support. Foundation funding for democracy broadly tripled from 2016 to 2020, according to Candid, and has climbed slightly since a 2021 dip. George Soros' Open Society Foundations pledged $300 million in May toward initiatives defending democratic rights.

Meanwhile, President Trump's administration has sought to influence nonprofits by withholding funding or threatening investigations. His allies in Congress have pushed for federal probes into nonprofits they oppose.

In response, the Ford Foundation vowed to deliver more larger-sized, multiyear general operating support. "The last year has confirmed how extraordinarily important it is for philanthropy to work in this way," Gerken said.

Defending Marginalized Communities

Gerken is standing firm on the foundation's support for LGBTQ causes, racial justice and other "work for marginalized communities." She noted she used her presidential funds to double the foundation's immigration budget this year.

Those are places where not everyone is staying. We are staying, she said. Such commitments have put the foundation at odds with conservative policymakers including Vice President JD Vance, who described the Ford Foundation as "cancers on American society" in 2021.

Gerken emphasized the foundation's work is nonpartisan, pointing to $80 million this year for nonprofits working to safeguard election results including Pillars of the Community, which is co-led by a former Obama White House counsel and a Republican campaign adviser.

Future Plans

While philanthropy has invested heavily in reducing polarization, Gerken plans to focus on polarization continuing well into the future. Her team is "thinking hard" about how to bolster democratic institutions "in a world where we're completely polarized."

Beginning January 2027, Ford Foundation staff will shift to three temporary units to maintain existing grants while transitioning new ones. The foundation will move approximately $700 million in grants for 2027, though that figure could increase based on new needs and endowment growth.

The changes mean other programs will eventually be sunset. Foundation officials declined to share which of its more than 2,300 grantees will lose funding, but Turner pledged to exit fields "with respect and grace and care and support."